Nigeria targets 40% GDP growth by 2030 through AfCFTA implementation

The Federal Government has intensified efforts to fully implement the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement, with projections that the initiative could boost Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by up to 40% by 2030.

This drive forms part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises economic diversification, industrial growth, and deeper regional integration.

National Coordinator of the Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office, Mr. Olusegun Awolowo, disclosed this during the launch of an advanced training programme on AfCFTA Rules of Origin — a key framework that defines which goods qualify for preferential treatment under the agreement.

According to Awolowo, the Federal Government is developing a new pool of experts within trade agencies and the private sector to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to maximise the benefits of the AfCFTA.

He explained that the training initiative, organised in partnership with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) under the EU-WCO Rules of Origin for Africa Programme, is being implemented through the Nigeria Customs Service, led by Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi.

“The Tinubu administration is determined to make AfCFTA work for Nigerian manufacturers, exporters, and service providers.

“With the right structures and human capacity, Nigeria’s GDP could grow by as much as 40% by 2030,” Awolowo said.

Also speaking, WCO representative Ms. Faith Mathenge stressed the need for continuous human capital development to unlock AfCFTA’s full potential.

She noted that the EU and WCO are collaborating to provide technical assistance and training to bridge knowledge gaps in customs operations and Rules of Origin.

Mathenge added that Nigeria’s active participation reflects its strong commitment to regional trade integration and enhancing competitiveness across the continent.